Tenable Updates Free Vulnerability Assessment Solution

Tenable this week announced Nessus Essentials, an expanded version of its free vulnerability assessment solution previously known as Nessus Home.

The tool is targeted to students, professors, and enthusiasts starting their careers in cyber-security, to help them learn about vulnerability assessments.

The company also touts the Nessus solutions as having a fast vulnerability detection, with new plugins being released within an average of 24 hours from the time of vulnerability disclosure, with more than 100,000 plugins for more than 45,000 CVEs currently included.

The newly announced Nessus Essentials no longer restricts usage to personal, non-commercial use, as Nessus Home did previously.

It also includes support via the Tenable Community, to provide users with Cyber Exposure alerts and information on plugins, major vulnerabilities, and original reports, and to host a peer network for discussion and collaboration.

The solution also allows educators worldwide to build vulnerability assessment lesson plans and curriculum leveraging Nessus and can help users create scans and analyze results (the company plans on releasing a free course and certification for Nessus Essentials later this year).

“Nearly every cybersecurity professional has used Nessus at some point. Many even learned the fundamentals with Nessus,” said Renaud Deraison, chief technology officer and co-founder, Tenable.

“Our vision for Nessus Essentials is to advance the next generation of cyber professionals -- whether it’s in the classroom or on the job. We’re continuing to give back to the community, helping to close the security skills gap and building a foundation of cybersecurity.”